Delhi to host SPIC MACAY World Dance and Heritage festival this weekend

SPIC MACAY, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, will present a three-day World Dance Day and World Heritage Day festival at the Sunder Nursery Amphitheatre from April 17 to 19.

Dedicated to the birth centenary of legendary Odissi guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the festival will feature eminent classical dancers from across the country, showcasing India’s diverse and deeply rooted dance traditions.

According to organisers, the initiative aims to bring together the intangible heritage of classical dance with the tangible heritage of a historic site. “India’s cultural heritage is to be experienced and lived. By bringing together World Dance Day and World Heritage Day in a space like Sunder Nursery, we are creating an opportunity for young people to engage deeply with both,” said Kiran Seth, Founder of SPIC MACAY.

SPIC MACAY convenor Suman Doonga said the festival reflects the close relationship between performing arts and heritage spaces, and aims to foster cultural awareness among younger audiences.

Each evening will feature performances representing classical traditions from different regions. The opening day will include Odissi by Sujata Mohapatra and Bharatanatyam by Rama Vaidyanathan.

On April 18, the lineup includes Sattriya by Anita Sharma, Kuchipudi by Sreelakshmy Govardhanan and Kathak by Monisa Nayak.

The final day will present Mohiniyattam by Neena Prasad, Manipuri by Manju Elangbam and Kathakali by Thiruvattar B. Jagadeesan.

Organisers said the festival offers a comprehensive panorama of India’s classical dance heritage, reflecting regional diversity while underscoring shared cultural traditions. The event is supported by the Singhal Iyer Family Foundation, Sudha Sangini Foundation and Takshila Educational Society.

The festival is open to the public. Evening performances will begin at 6:30 PM.

When: April 17 to 19; 6:30 PM onwards

Where: Sunder Nursery Amphitheatre, New Delhi